Hair clipper and shaver



Dec. 23, 1941. H. AARON ET AL HAIR CLIPPER AND SHAVER Filed April 22, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l H fyINVENTOR. c7231 dram mllzgzflzarfh a4 1 6 ATTORNEY.

Dec. 23, 1941. H. AARON ET AL 2,267,582

HAIR CLIPPER AND SHAVER Filed April 22, 193'? 2 Sheets-$heet 2 Patented Dec. 23, 1941 HAIR CLIPPER. AND SHAVER Harry Aaron and William A. Zarth, New York, N. Y.; said Zarth minor to said Aaronv Application April 22(1937, Serial No. 138,300

7 Claims.

This invention relates to mechanically operated hair clippers and shaving devices, and more particularly to suchhair clippers and shaving devices which are operated by electrically powered mechanism.

The hair clippers and shaving devices of this kind heretofore found in the art have been comparatively costly to manufacture by reason of the utilization of electrical motors for the mechanical operating mechanism, which motors are comparatively complex and costly in construction.

Our invention contemplates the provision as the operating means therefor in a hair clipper and shaving device of an emcient and inexpensive vibrating armature tractive electromagnet.

Our invention further contemplates the provi sion of a tractive electromagnet in which the vibrations of the armature serve to operate the hair cutting mechanism to which it is directly secured.

Our invention still further contemplates the provision of a vibrating armature tractive electromagnet which is arranged to generate maximum tractive force at some point of travel of the armature from the initial position thereof.

Our invention further contemplates the provision of a vibrating armature tractive electromagnet in which a comparatively large operating stroke is provided and yet in which the operative air gap between the magnet pole piece and the armature is short enough for efficient operation.

Our invention still further contemplates the provision of a tractive electromagnet in which the moving armature is so arranged that it does not strike any other part at the end of the stroke, thereby providing a vibrating mechanism which is comparatively quiet in operation.

Our invention still further contemplates the provision of a simple and inexpensive current interrupter arranged in combination with the electromagnet to thereby permit operation of the power mechanism with either alternating or direct current.

Further objects of our invention will be clear from the description which follows and from the drawings in which Figure 1 is a front elevation of our novel electromagnetic vibrator arranged in the combined motor casing and shaver handle.

Figure 2 is a section on the line 22 of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a section on the line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a cross section on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a cross section on the line H of Figure 1.

Referring now to the drawings, the electrical power mechanism is arranged in a motor casing which, in addition, provides a handle for the shaving device and which combined casing and handle comprise the bottom cover Ill and the top cover H! which is secured thereto by the screws 14 arranged in suitably threaded grooves It.

The electromagnet core I8 is preferably secured at one end thereof to the bottom cover Ill of the casing by the cap set screw 20 which engages a suitably threaded groove in the land 22 integral with the cover and at the other end by a similar set screw 24 engaging a suitably threaded groove on the land 26.

In order to reduce eddy currents and resulting heating of the core, it is constructed, in a. manner well known in the art, from laminations 28 of soft magnetic iron.

Arranged in suitable grooves provided in the casing at the lower end thereof and preferably frictionally retained therein is the plate 20 in which are provided the socket terminal members 32 and 34, adapted to detachabiy engage a conventional cord terminal plug for connecting the device to a source of electrical current.

In order to operatively magnetize the core, we arrange preferably two or more solenoid coils 36 and 38, separated by the electrical current insulator plate 40 on the iron core l8 between the legs or magnetic poles 42 and 44. A plurality of solenoid coils is preferred to a single coil in order to reduce the voltage impressed across any coil.

The electromagnet core and poles are magnetized by passing through the coils an electrical current, thereby attracting the pivoted armature 46 toward the electromagnet against the influence of tension member 48. In order to provide an oscillating member which may be directly connected to the movable member which it operates, the armature 46 is normally inclined away from the core, the angle of which is determined by the stroke selected and the dimensions of the armature. Upon demagnetization of the electromagnet, the armature will be urged about the pivot rod 50 to which it is secured by the tension member to its original or normal position.

The pivot rod 50 is rotatably supported in the ears 52 upstanding from the brackets 53 which are secured to the pole piece 42 by the cap screws 54 and is frictionally retained in the arms 5! extending from the armature.

In order to provide means for returning the armature about the pivot to its original or normal position, the tension member 48 comprising a compression spring is secured at one end thereof to an aperture arranged in the ear 56 extending outwardly from the bracket member 58, which is secured to the bottom cover by a suitable cap screw 60, and at the other end thereof to the skirt 62 depending from the armature 48 and secured thereto by the rivets 64. It will be understood, however, that if desired the skirt may be an integral continuation of the armature;

The skirt is preferably outwardly arched in section so that as to avoid striking the extendingpole piece 44 as the armature reaches its innermost position of travel under the'influence of the electromagnet.

In order to arrange the magnetic vibrator for operation with direct current, we provide 9. cur rent interrupter, the base 66 of which is secured to the bottom cover I0 of the motor casing by the cap screw 68, engaging a suitably threaded groove in the casing. This current interrupter comprisesa substantially stationary electrode '10,

which has arranged at the upper end thereof the contact point 12 made from any suitable material such as iridium or platinum and a resiliently movable electrode 14, which presses inwardly against the insulator plate 16, secured in any suitable manner to the armature 4s and which resilient arm is provided with a similar contact point 18. The contact points are normally held in mutual engagement against the influence of the resilient electrode by the armature at its original or normal position.

As the armature 46 is urged about its pivot by the attraction of the electromagnet, the ten= sion of the movable electrode l4 impels it toward the moving armature'which it follows, thereby breaking electrical contact with the stationary electrode I0 and as will be seen interrupting fiow 4o armature to the iron core positions its lower exof the electrical current through the solenoid coils to demagnetize the electromagnet. Upon return of the armature to normal position as the electromagnet is demagnetized, the resilient electrode is returned by the armature into contact with the stationary electrode, thereby again closing the electricalcircuit in the solenoid coils and causing the cycle of operation to be repeated.

The stationary electrode is preferably somewhat fiexible in order to absorb the shock occasioned by the resilient electrode striking the stationary electrode as it returns to normal position.

The operative members of the interrupter are secured between the upstanding bracket walls 80 and 82 arranged on the base 68, by the rivets 84, and are insulated from each other by the plate 86 formed from any suitable insulating material.

In order to reduce friction and wear of the engaging members, we preferably provide a slide bearing on that portion of the movable electrode 14 which rests against the insulation plate by depressing a portion of the movable electrode 74 inwardly just beneath the contact point it to provide the bearing surface 88.

The movable member 14 of the interrupter is electrically connected to the end 96 of the coil by the electrical wire 98, the other end I00 of the coil 30 being connected to the other terminal member 34 by thev wire I02, thereby completing an electrical circuit when the terminal members are inserted into a conventional electrical plug leading from a source of current supply.

The armature 46 has arranged thereon at its upper extremity above the ears 55, the horizontal arm I04 which disposes the vertical connect= ing rod I06 centrally of the movable cutter member I08. Arranged on the upper extremity of the connecting rod is the connecting boss H0 which engages the slot 2 arranged on the underside of the movable cutter member. Oscillation of the armature about its pivot under the influence of the vibrating electromagnet will cause reciprocation of the movable cutter member adjacent the stationary cutter member H4. We have found that for satisfactory shaving an operating stroke for the movable cutter of 1040 inch is desirable.

In order to obtain such a comparatively long stroke and simultaneously provide a short air gap between the magnetic pole pieces and the armature, which is highly desirable for eflicient opminal member 32 by the electrical wire 92, the

' other end 94 of the coil 38 being connected to the substantially stationary member E0 of the interrupter. contact between the members of the interrupter being normally made by the points 12 and i8, y

era'tion and which enables the provision of a comparatively powerful vibrating electromagnet of relatively small dimensions, we prefer to arrange the iron core in a C-shape.

The length of the armature from the pivot 50 preferably is greater than the length of the connecting. rod I06 from the said pivot, and, therefore, the distance traveled by the lower edge of the armature being greater than the horizontal stroke of the connecting rod. We have found that for satisfactory operation a ratio of two to one is desirable for the dimensions.

It will be apparent that the inclination of the per pole piece 42; Theextremity of the lower pole piece extends toward the armature slightly inwardly thereof.

Such construction provides'in effect two successive magnets, each with the desirable short air gap. As the lower edge H8 of the armature is attracted by the electromagnet, a portion of the magnetic flux is increasingly shunted into the armature.

When the lower extremity H0 of the armature is brought into alignment with the pole piece 44, the magnetic flux adjacent thereto iscompletely shunted between the armature and the pole piece 44; the air gap between the armature and the pole piece 42 having been so reduced in dimension as to provide an emcient secondary magnet, the upper portion of the armature now hem to a greater degree influenced by the pole piece 42 urging it further inwardly toward the magnet.

It will be apparent that as the armature moves towards the iron core under the influence of the magnetic flux, the tractive effort efiected by the shorter pole piece 42 increases as the tractive effort of the lower pole piece 44 decreases.

We have found that the tractive effort 'efiected by the pole piece 44 increases in greater proportion than the decrease in tractive effort effected by the pole piece 42 so that the maximum tractive effort is obtained as the armature approaches the iron core, at which position the interrupter is preferably arranged to open the solenoid electric circuit.

It will be understood that, if desired, the ex tending pole piece 42 may be eliminated to provide an L-shaped iron core, the upper face of which would be likewise effective as a secondary magnet pole.

It will be apparent that we have provided a vibrating armature tractive electromagnet which develops its greatest tractive eflort at the initial armature position and which, in addition, by in effect operating as two successive magnets, provides a comparatively powerful vibrating electromagnet having a minimum operating air gap between the armature and pole pieces.

It will be recognized that the resilient electrode oi the interrupter opposes the return of the armature to normal position under the influence of the tension member 48.

Such spring resistance of the resilient electrode 14 may be utilized to dampen the expand.- ing force of the tension member 46 by providing the said electrode with sumcient opposing tension.'

If desired, however, a secondary spring may be arranged in opposition to the main spring at the lower extremity of the skirt 62 on the other side thereof to thereby provide a similar armature stroke limiting device.

It will be apparent that we have further provided an eilicient and inexpensive vibrating-trace tive electromagnet.

It will be further apparent that we have provided such a vibrating armature tractive electromagnet which is arranged to generate maximum tractive effort at some point of travel of the armature from the initial position thereof.

It will be still further apparent that we have provided a vibrating tractive electromagnet in which the-moving parts are so arranged that they do not at any time strike other parts of the magnet, thereby providing such a mechanism which is comparatively quiet in operation.

It will be still further apparent that we have provided such a vibrating tractive electromagnet which is readily adapted for use with hair clippers and shaving devices and in which connecting linkage and levers are eliminated.

It will be still further apparent that we have provided a single integral vibrating electromagnet and simple and inexpensive current interrupter, thereby making the mechanical razor operating means operable on either alternating or direct current.

While the invention has been described in detail with specific examples, such examples are illustrative and are not given as limitations since other modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Hence, the invention is to be understood as limited only as indicated in the appended claims in which the intent is to set forth all the novelty over the prior art.

. We claim:

1. An electromagnetic motor unit for power operated shavers and the. like, said motor unit being arranged in an enclosing handle and comprising an electromagnetic core, magnetic poles at each end of the said core, one of said poles extending outwardly from said core a longer distance than the other pole, a vibrating element pivoted intermediate its ends above the shorter magnetic pole, said vibrating element constituting, above the pivot, a connecting rod having a free extremity and, below the pivot, an armature having a free extremity, the free extremity of said connecting rod arranged to operatively engage the shaver, the armature being of greater length than the connecting rod, the tree extremity of the armature being disposed adjacent to and a relatively small distance above the longer magnetic pole and a tension member, secured to the armature, and arranged to normally dispose the vibrating member at an inclination to the core and poles whereby the movable member is normally disposed at one end or its operative stroke.

2. A power operated hand tool comprising a hollow handle having a movable member operatively arranged thereon, electromagnetic motor means for operating the movable member, said electromagnetic motor means enclosed within 7 the handle and comprising an electromagnetic core, a pair of. magnetic poles extending outwardly from the core at each end thereof, one of said poles being longer than the other, a bracket arranged on.the shorter pole, a vibrating member pivoted intermediate its ends on the bracket above the shorter pole, that portion of said vibrating member disposed above the bracket being shorter than that portion of said vibrating member disposed below the bracket, the shorter portion of the vibrating member arranged to operatively engage the movable member, the extremity of the longer portion of the vibrating member being disposed adjacent to and slightly above the longer magnetic pole, a tension member arranged to normally dispose the vibrating member at an inclination to the core and poles whereby the movable member is normally arranged at one end of its operative movement, said electromagnetic core being adapted to be arranged in an electric circuit and means for successively interrupting the electrical current in the said circuit comprising a stationary and substantially rigid electrode, and a flexible electrode arranged to press against the longer portion of the vibrating member in opposition to the said tension member.

3. A power operated hand tool comprising a hollow handle having a movable member operatively arranged thereon, electromagnetic motor means for operating the movable member, said electromagnetic motor means enclosed within the handle and comprising an electromagnetic core, a pair of magnetic poles extending outwardly from the core at each end thereof, one of said poles being longer than the other, a bracket arranged on the shorter pole, a vibrating member pivoted intermediate its ends on the bracket above the shorter pole, that portiono! said vibrating member disposed above the bracket being shorter than that portion of said vibrating member disposed below the bracket, the shorter portion of the vibrating member arranged to operatively engage the movable member, the extremity oi the longer portion of the vibrating member being disposed adjacent to and slightly above the longer magnetic pole, a tension member arranged to normally dispose the vibrating member at an inclination to the core and poles whereby the movable member is normally arranged at one end of its operative movement.

4. A power operated hand tool comprising a.

hollow handle having a movable member arranged thereon, electromagnetic motor means for core at each end thereof, one of said poles extending outwardly from said core a longer distance than the other pole, a vibrating element pivoted intermediate its ends adjacent the shorter magnetic pole, said vibrating element constituting, above the pivot, a connecting rod having a free extremity and, below the pivot, an armature having a free extremity, the free extremity of said connectingrod arranged to operatively engage the movable member, the armature being of greater length than the connecting rod, the free extremity of the armature being disposed adjacent to and a relatively small distance above thelonger magnetic pole, a tension member secured to the armature and arranged to normally dispose the "vibrating member at aninclination to the core and poles whereby the movable member is normally disposed at one edge of its operative stroke, a substantially stationary electrode arranged in the handle and electrically connected to one extremity of the magnetic core and a resilient electrode electrically connected to the other extremity of the magnetic core, said resilient electrode in engagement with the'said armature and normally maintained thereby in contact with the fixed electrode.

5. An electromagnetic motor unit for power operated shavers and the like having a movable member, said motor unit being arranged in an enclosing handle and comprising an electromagnet including an iron core and a vibrating member free at each end, said vibrating member pivoted to the electromagnet between said electromagnet and said mo able member, said core having a pair of pole pieces, one of the pole pieces being longer than the other, said vibrating member arranged, at one of its free ends, in operative engagement with said movable member and,- at its other free end, arranged adjacent to and slightly above the longer pole piece and tension means secured to the vibrating member and arranged to normally dispose the vibrating member at an inclination to the electromagnet and spaced from the pole pieces, the said vibrating member, when normally disposed, being thereby spaced a shorter distance from the longer pole I piece than from the shorter pole piece; so that the longer pole piece is arranged to attract the vibrating member more intensely than the shorter pole piece during the first part of the inward stroke of the vibrating member and so that the shorter pole piece is arranged to attract the vi brating member more intensely than the longer pole piece during the later part of the inward stroke of the vibrating member. a

6. In a device of the character described, including a movable member, an electromagnetic motor unit including a c -shaped iron core having a pair of poles and a vibrating member, free at each of its ends, said electromagnetic motor arranged in an enclosing handle, one of said poles being shorter than the other, said vibrating mem -ber being pivoted adjacent the shorter pole and to attract the vibrating member more intensely than the shorter pole during the first part oi the inward stroke of the vibrating member, and. during the later part of the stroke of the vibrating' member, the shorter pole is arranged to attract the vibrating member more intensely'than the longer pole.

7. In a device of the character described, including a movable member, an electromagnetic motor unit including a solenoid core having a pair of poles and a vibrating member, free at each of its ends, said electromagnetic motor unit arranged in an enclosing handle, one of said poles being shorter than the other, said vibrating member being pivoted adjacent the shorter pole between said electromagnet and said movable member, said vibrating member being arranged atone of its free ends in operative engagement with the movable member and, at its other free end, adjacent the longer pole and a tension member secured to the vibrating member and arranged to normally dispose the vibrating member at an inclination to the electromagnet and spaced from the poles, the said vibrating member, when normally disposed, being thereby spaced a shorter distance from the longer pole than from the shorter pole so that the longer pole is arranged to attract the vibrating member more intensely than the shorter pole during the first part of the inward stroke of the vibrating member, the mag netic flux adjacent the longer pole being increasingly shunted into the vibrating member during the inward stroke thereof so that during the later part of the stroke the vibrating member is more intensely attracted by the shorter pole than by the longer pole.

. W. A. ZARTH.

HARRY AARON. 

